The Monstrous Murders:
An Alewives of Colmar Mystery
By Elizabeth R. Andersen
Publication Date: 18th May 2025
Publisher: Haeddre Press
Page Length: 284
Genre: Historical Mystery
As winter draws to a close, something suspicious lurks outside the walls of Colmar.
Appel, Gritta, and Efi, the three alewives of Colmar, are enjoying a calm month of brewing and friendship after solving the deeply unsettling riddle of the severed hands. But peace is not destined to last for long. The disappearance of two novice monks in the care of Friar Wikerus spark tales of a supernatural beast on the loose, and when a lowly street sweeper is terrorized one night, fear stalks the town like a monster.
Theories of demons and beasts run wild. Could this foretell another great mortality like the one they only recently survived? Could it be an evil spirit sent to punish the wicked citizens of Colmar? The alewives would rather not involve themselves, but everything changes when a body turns up near their canal. The threat is too close to home to ignore. Once more, Appel, Gritta, and Efi must put their sleuthing skills to good use – while ensuring they don't also fall prey to the supernatural menace.
The Great Pestilence is behind them. The streets of Colmar have finally settled back into their usual rhythm of people going about their daily business, without fear gripping their every move. However, the peace is shattered when two novice monks go missing; they were there for their morning meal but vanished by the time of afternoon prayers. Colmar’s street sweeper spends a night wailing about a monster outside the walls, and a feeling of terror begins to sink back in.
They had surely served their penance during the Great Pestilence. What could the people have done to bring this curse upon their city? Was it a beast that ran wild beyond the city walls, or was it a demon coming to haunt them?
In “The Monstrous Murders: An Alewives of Colmar Mystery” by Elizabeth R. Andersen, readers are drawn into a chilling exploration of the unknown. As Colmar strives to maintain its daily routines, an atmosphere of fear and distrust envelops the town, revealing the darker undertones of ordinary life. This gripping narrative compels the reader to confront the terrifying possibilities lurking just beneath the surface.
This novel features a multitude of characters, each of whom stands out with distinct thoughts and emotions that resonate throughout the narrative. It feels as if each character contributes to their own part of the story. The author’s talent for crafting such realistic characters who drive the narrative forward is truly impressive and has been executed exceptionally well in this novel.
The three alewives of Colmar are not, at first glance, the type to engage in uncovering the mysteries of the city. They would be more than happy to sit back and let someone else handle the dirty work—finding out the truth and setting things right—while they focus on their own lives. However, as the horror stories begin to unfold, the mess left behind becomes something they can’t ignore. Appel, Gritta, and Efi are vibrant characters who come to life within the pages of this novel. Each has a striking personality, making it impossible to disregard their integral roles in telling the story. As they guide the reader through the events of their lives, it feels as if they are sharing their experiences without any hesitation. Appel, Gritta, and Efi each play important roles in this story, coming together as a trio. Wherever one goes, the others are sure to follow, forming a bond that helps them support one another in every way they can. Although Efi does not take on a central role in the novel, Appel and Gritta certainly do. Appel is fearless in her investigations, delving into the lives of those directly affected by the deadly events occurring throughout the city in an attempt to uncover the cause or motive behind them. In contrast, Gritta faces a different dilemma. With a large family of twelve children and a drunkard for a husband, she often struggles to keep track of her children and ensure they are not getting into trouble. Managing her household and daily chores while trying to keep her younger sons out of mischief proves to be an impossible task. Without the support of her sisterhood with Appel and Efi, Gritta would likely find her children in even more trouble. Together, the three women form a formidable force that should not be underestimated. Their friendship symbolises a union; without all three of them, they are not truly complete. Like a triskele of souls, their bond is more akin to family, and their closeness and love for one another serve as a driving force in the novel.
Two more characters who are worthy of mention are Friar Wikerus and Lonel. Friar Wikerus may often feel out of place in his current situation, but he does not shy away from his responsibilities. He makes it his business to visit all the houses he can, to get to know the people who inhabit them, and befriend them. He is clearly an incredibly important friend to Appel, Gritta, and Eli, and throughout this novel, he tries to help them in any way he can. Likewise, when things grow difficult, they do what they can to help him as well. Lonel, on the other hand, is a more complex character. As one of Gritta’s sons and a known troublemaker, he frequently finds himself in difficult situations. Despite his knack for getting into trouble, he is a humorous character who can bring a smile to others’ faces, even when faced with imminent danger, and because of this, he elicits compassion and care from the reader.
The town of Colmar has experienced terror before, having lost family members and friends to the Great Pestilence. They remember the cart that was pulled through the village to collect the bodies of those who had died. Yet, the townspeople have persevered, rebuilding their lives and trying to move on, putting such horrors behind them. However, a new fear looms over them—the feeling of being hunted by a predator, never knowing when or where it might strike. This palpable sense of fear keeps the reader engaged throughout the novel. The truth behind the beast remains a mystery for much of the story, and this intrigue is compelling enough to encourage continued reading. The collective terror experienced by the townspeople, helpless against an unknown threat, creates a tense atmosphere. This palpable anxiety infiltrates the narrative, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat, bracing for the unexpected.
In this book, the world surrounding the characters comes to life. From the distinct smells of the tannery district to the bustle of people heading to the bakery or market, Colmar bursts into focus, effortlessly transporting the reader there. The rivalry between churches and the political tensions affecting the city’s inhabitants add an extra layer of unrest. With elements of murder and intrigue, along with some amusing scenes and conversations, this novel is not to be missed. The characters are fully developed, and the narrative leaves little to the imagination. It is a fully realised story that keeps your attention from start to finish.
In a captivating and spine-tingling tale of how the unknown can engulf an entire city, “The Monstrous Murders: An Alewives of Colmar Mystery” by Elizabeth R. Andersen stands out as a masterful blend of suspense and intrigue. This enthralling novel promises to grip the reader's imagination and keep the reader turning pages deep into the night. It is a must-read for fans of thrilling mysteries.
Review by Ellie Yarde
Yarde Reviews & Book Promotion
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The Monstrous Murders
Elizabeth R. Andersen
Elizabeth R. Andersen's debut novel, The Scribe, launched in July of 2021. Although she spent many years of her life as a journalist, independent fashion designer, and overworked tech employee, there have always been two consistent loves in her life: writing and history. She finally decided to put them both together and discovered her true love.
Elizabeth lives in the Seattle area with her young son and energetic husky. On the weekends she usually hikes in the stunning Cascade mountains to hide from people and dream up new plotlines and characters.
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